The Best Window Treatments for Sliding Doors

When it comes to choosing the best window treatments, sliding glass doors can sometimes get neglected. That’s bad news, because choosing the right window treatment for your sliding door may be more important than anywhere else, given how frequently they’re used and the potential visual boost they can give your home.

Sunburst Shutters is ready to help you find the perfect window treatment for your sliding door. Let’s get started with the most important considerations to keep in mind for sliding door products, and then dive into specific treatments that can work in your home.

Sliding Door Window Treatment Considerations

Keep the following things in mind when looking for your perfect sliding door window treatment:

Resilience: Doors tend to be busier than windows, so choose a treatment that can handle it.

Orientation: Sliding doors move horizontally, whereas most windows operate vertically. Make sure your window treatment doesn’t obstruct the usage of your door, keeping in mind how much space is available to the sides of the door.

Light & Privacy control: Sliding glass doors are very large compared to most windows, so a product that gives you great control over privacy and light is important.

Recommended Treatments for Sliding Doors

Plantation Shutters

The first option we’ll discuss is also the one we recommend most highly. Plantation shutters meet all the criteria for a sliding door treatment. Sunburst Polywood® plantation shutters in particular are a fantastic choice. Polywood never fades or discolors, so your home keeps that timeless, sophisticated look. Plantation shutters are extremely energy-efficient, giving you the utmost control over heat and light entering your home.

Possibly the biggest strength of shutters when it comes to sliding doors is their durability. Sliding doors will typically be opened and shut much more than windows, so being able to handle heavy usage is key. Polywood shutters are impervious to cracking, warping, or breaking – so you can rest assured no matter how heavily-trafficked your door is, your shutters will last.

Sliding Door Vertical Blinds

Another common choice for sliding doors is vertical blinds. Like their name implies, these blinds hang vertically, suspended from a headrail above your sliding door. If you have a very specific color scheme you want to follow, vertical blinds might be a good option for you, as they’re available in a variety of different shades, patterns and materials. You can also customize with a wand/cordless, cord tilt, or motorized mechanism to make adjusting them a breeze.

Keep in mind though that there are some drawbacks with vertical blinds. They won’t block nearly as much light as shutters will, even when the blinds are completely closed. Blinds also have a tendency to sway, meaning less privacy when closed. They are also notorious for breaking due to the constant use.

Panel Tracks for Sliding Doors

Sliding panel tracks are primarily used on large windows, making your sliding glass door the perfect spot for a beautiful panel track installation. With their ability to control light and privacy and easy operation, panel tracks are great for sliding doors in rooms where you’ll do a lot of entertaining. They are individual wide panels of material that move on a track system—like very large vertical blinds, although they only open and close, they don’t tilt. They’re available in a number of materials, from fabrics to wood to natural fibers and more – so you can find a panel track that fits your home’s style.

Depending on the size and layout of your sliding door, you can choose different configurations for a sliding panel track so it can open from one side or in the middle, allowing you to add function to your fashion.

Let’s Find Your Perfect Fit

Your sliding door may be the most important window in your house, so we want to help you make sure the window treatment you choose is the right one for you. Check out our Idea Gallery for inspiration, then call Sunburst today at 877-786-2877 to schedule your free in-home consultation and take the guesswork out of your home design.